By TANEY BEAUMONT
Staff Writer
League co-champion DeRuyter Central claimed four spots on the Central Counties League first-team all-star list in voting by the league’s coaches.
The honored Rockets are seniors Matt Stevens (catcher-third base-pitcher), Mike Harris (pitcher-DH-outfield) and Josh Weaver (pitcher-outfield-third base) and junior Ryan Karp (catcher-DH-second base-third base).
Also making the first team were McGraw senior outfielder Eric Ralyea, co-champion Stockbridge Valley’s Tanner Bluewolf, Alex Dickerman and Alex Eaniello, David Cerasani from Otselic valley and Brookfield’s Corey Cowen.
Local second-teamers are DeRuyter senior pitcher-shortstop Ethan Grime, McGraw senior first baseman-catcher-pitcher Josh Shepard and Cincinnatus seniors Jacob Silverstein (catcher-pitcher) and Tyler Kemak (pitcher-first base-shortstop). Joining them on the second team are Madison’s Andrew Lopata, Kyle Rood and Matt Clarke from Stockbridge Valley, Brad Wentworth and Jamin Selan from Otselic Valley and Brookfield’s Brandon Kelly.
Local players earning honorable mention are McGraw juniors Cody Brown (infield-pitcher), Chris Torres (pitcher-catcher-first base) and Kyle Tuttle (outfield) and eighth-grader Nick Cowen (infield-pitcher-outfield), DeRuyter seniors John Haggart (outfield), Dan Raymond (outfield), Brandon Chapman (second base) and Cody Tiffany (first base-outfield) and Cincinnatus junior third baseman-pitcher Arin Baldwin.
Also named to the honorable mention list were Adam Duell, Karl Graham and Trevor Marstan of Otselic Valley, Brookfield’s Corey Plows, Dylan Jones and Chad Bennett and Madison’s Justin Fuess and Brian Klein.
DeRuyter coach Chad Newton had the following comments on his first-teamers:
On Matt Stevens (.500, 16 RBI, 21 Runs Scored, 3 doubles, 15 SB, 22 hits 19 SB): “Matt is probably one of the best all around players in the CCL. His ability to hit and run along with his defensive skills makes him a five tool player that makes him every part of a 1st team all star. Having this kid as a catcher the last three years was a blessing. Good catchers are hard to find. We will miss his presence behind the dish and in practice; thanks go to him for all the hard work and hustle.”
On Mike Harris (.360, 13 RBI, 10 Runs; 3-0 with 22 strikeouts, 1.33 ERA, 20 innings pitched): ” Mike is one of the hardest-working baseball players I’ve ever coached, throwing countless bullpens throughout the off-season and working on his swing to mature as one of the best in the CCL this year. Mike did a great job in right field for us, not making one error all season. Mike plans to play for Onondaga CC next year. We will miss his dedication to the game and presence in practice next year.”
On Josh Weaver (.600, 22 RBI, 15 runs scored, 1 HR, 4 doubles, 18 hits, 15 SB; 4-1, 30 K’s, 2.27 in 22 Innings pitched): “Josh was our overall best player. He did everything you can ask for as a coach. He hit well, pitched well, ran the bases with aggressiveness, and was a emotional leader when the team needed it the most. He worked hard all season, hitting the weights, extra time in the batting cage, and overall was a good example for his teammates. Josh plans to play for OCC next year. We will miss Josh’s presence at the plate and on the mound.”
On Ryan Karp (.619, 17 RBI, 16 hits, 10 runs scored, 10 SB): “Ryan did a great job for us this year; especially coming in this season as a transfer, he adapted well to our team. Ryan spent most of his time catching and as a DH. He also saw time at third and second. Ryan was a great addition to our ball club. His biggest hit was the game-winner against Otselic Valley to keep us in first place. I’m glad we have this kid coming back next year. His passion for the game reassures me that he will work hard and help lead us next year.”
McGraw coach Abe Johnson on Ralyea (.378, 10 runs, four RBIs, 10 stolen bases) that “Eric was a senior leader all year. He played really well in center field, batted leadoff for us and led our team in hitting . He was solid all year long and really deserved to be named to the first team.”